Most people are familiar with the concept of AirBnB. Someone rents out their home in part or in whole to travelers looking for an affordable, yet comfortable place to stay. GameOn Active is a platform built off of that popular model and applied to the world of sports. They’re doubling down on this notion with the launch of a product this week that will help venues capitalize financially, and expand opportunities for amateur sports organizers, trainers and coaches to find and book sports facilities online.
The GameOn Active Operate platform will allow schools, community centers and athletic spaces to manage revenue generating rentals of courts to players looking to break a sweat. The technology will give decision makers at these venues insights into how their leasing is enhancing their earning potential, and will put them in contact with a network of sports-loving customers.
GameOn Active co-founder Gerald Asante believes that the Operate launch will be a big win for schools in particular, when considering the opportunity they’ll have to monetize their gyms during hours when class is not in session.
"We project that if a school’s gymnasium is booked for public recreational sports even 50% of the time(on weeknights, weekends, or during the summer), they can generate an estimated $65,000 per year,” Asante said. “This additional income can be used for renovations, educational resources, enrichment programs, or however they see fit.”
While the Operate launch figures to be a valuable tool for the venues, the GameOn Active Connect app is already being used by approximately 8000 players as a means to connect for pickup sports. Primarily focused on basketball, GameOn Active Connect helps to solve common problems, such as locking down a court for a pickup game, or finding other players who want to play to round out a three on three or five on five. It can also be used by coaches or trainers to locate places to practice or fine-tune skills for their players.
GameOn Active launched in 2017 on Android and via web app, and became available on iOS in 2018. While the app is only available in London and other parts of England at present, the team is hopeful to expand their presence to the United States and other parts of the world as early as 2022.
The issues that the app looks to solve for venue managers and players alike are universal, and they are only highlighted by the effects of the prolonged pandemic. Schools and other hosting locations are looking to recoup some funds lost in the last two years, and athletes are looking to make up for lost time in quarantine by playing sports that they love.
“We’re using our technology to make recreational sports more accessible,” Asante stated. “While we’ve honed the product in London, we’re looking to expand globally and offer opportunities for athletes to play many different sports.”
